What remains if Apple closes your account
What I’m about to share isn’t the only way, but it’s clear, predictable, and far less likely to lead to burnout. I want to talk about how to actually create and grow your own application.
Many developers run blogs or YouTube channels, mostly to promote their products. They share technical stories and drop info about their apps in between. It’s the same picture everywhere. But to me, this is a dead end. Not only is it exhausting, it’s illogical. Other developers watching your content are rarely your target audience — unless your app is specifically built for developers.
It’s a basic truth that almost everyone ignores, even successful indies: you shouldn’t promote a product to the wrong audience.
When I write about my own app here, I’m fully aware that within the context of my indie journey, this promotion is only indirect.
So, without repeating myself, let’s get to the second part, which I hope will make everything click.
I believe the most reliable path for an indie developer is to build from their own competence. Pick any niche, look at the top apps — there is money everywhere.
Just look at what you are already a pro at.
The world doesn’t need novelty for the sake of novelty. It needs tools from those who have walked the path themselves and know the audience’s pain points from the inside.
Here are a few real-life examples that inspire me:
Jiro Ono (Jiro Dreams of Sushi): A man who has been making sushi for 70 years. People wait 3 months for a seat at his bar. He didn’t validate the niche on Twitter — he became a master. To me, this proves that a product (whether it’s sushi or a mobile app) should be an extension of your mastery. That creates a level of value that no marketing can fake.
Alexander Bebris: An English teacher with 3 million YouTube subscribers. His app, English Galaxy, isn’t just code — it’s his methodology, proven on millions of students. He is a master of teaching, and the app is simply a convenient way to scale that skill.
Max Trukhanavets: A calisthenics legend (700k on Instagram). He is a developer himself and created True Trainer. This app works because his personal experience in body mastery stands behind every single button.
Yes, these are extreme examples that take a long time to reach. But is it any easier to break through on Twitter by pumping out empty, one-day apps? Hardly.
A deep product, however, provides a real foundation.
My algorithm for choosing an idea:
What do you love? What would you want to do for the rest of your life without regretting the years spent?
What do you already know? What is your actual skill — running, baking, fishing, playing the piano?
Narrow your focus: Once you’ve picked a niche, narrow the idea down to a specific audience.
Choose your stack: Select the technologies you’ll use to build it.
Again, I’m not saying other paths are worse — I just find this one more comfortable and reliable in the long run.
And even if the worst happens and Apple suddenly closes your developer account — you will still have your purpose and your mastery.
Thanks for reading.
May you enjoy your journey,
Andrei.
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